From Doubt to Determination: Kumila Moonoosamy’s Journey to Becoming a Voice for the Voiceless

Long before she set foot in a veterinary clinic, Kumila Moonoosamy had already written the first chapter of her story. At just five years old, growing up on the island of Mauritius, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Her love for animals wasn’t taught — it was instinctive, rooted in compassion and a fascination with the natural world. But as she got older, the road to veterinary medicine seemed to narrow. High school science courses challenged her, and for a time, she let go of the dream, convinced it wasn’t meant for her.

Instead, she pursued a degree in clinical psychology at the University of Mauritius, hoping to help people navigate their emotional worlds. But fate — and a part-time job — had other plans. Working as a veterinary technician at a local clinic, Kumila found herself back in the world of animal care. Under the guidance of two passionate veterinarians, Dr. Naajiyah and Dr. Ali, she discovered that the path to becoming a vet wasn’t closed — it had just taken a scenic detour.

A Leap of Faith — and a New Beginning

Fueled by renewed determination, Kumila began researching veterinary schools across the globe. Her search led her more than 7,000 kilometers away to the University of Forestry in Sofia, Bulgaria. Moving across continents was no small decision, but for Kumila, it was the only one that made sense. “I knew I had to do this,” she says. “I had to give that little girl inside me a second chance.”

Now a second-year veterinary student, Kumila is building her skills both in and out of the classroom. During breaks, she works at Blue Cross Veterinary Clinic, where she’s gaining hands-on experience in advanced surgical techniques, including laparoscopy — a minimally invasive procedure that reduces pain and speeds up recovery times. Her long-term goal is to bring these skills back home and help raise the standard of care for animals in Mauritius.

Changing the Narrative of Animal Care

But Kumila’s mission extends far beyond clinical skills. In her home country, veterinary care often comes too late. Cultural norms, economic barriers, and a lack of education have long shaped a system where animals are viewed more as property than as sentient beings. Kumila wants to change that.

“They may not have a voice, but I do,” she says. “And I plan to use it.”

She envisions a future where animal welfare is prioritized, where veterinary visits are proactive instead of reactive, and where every pet owner understands the importance of empathy and early intervention. Education, she believes, is the key to that transformation — starting with children and extending to entire communities.

Q&A with Kumila Moonoosamy: What Drives Her

If you weren’t a vet, what would you be?
“A clinical psychologist for children, using animal-assisted therapy. Animals communicate without words — they can teach kids emotional regulation and empathy in ways humans sometimes can’t.”

Best career advice you’ve received?
“My stepdad told me, ‘Turn your passion into your job, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ I live by that.”

What human qualities do you admire most?
“Empathy, resilience, integrity, and curiosity. Together, they create people who are capable and deeply human.”

What’s your life mission?
“To be a voice for animals in Mauritius and beyond. Too many suffer because of preventable neglect. I want to change mindsets — to make veterinary care accessible and valued.”

What’s the biggest challenge veterinarians face today?
“The lack of trust and follow-through from pet owners. We can’t do our jobs without them. It’s a partnership — and when that breaks down, animals are the ones who suffer.”

A Voice for the Next Generation

Kumila’s story is one of resilience — a reminder that detours don’t end dreams; sometimes, they lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Her message to aspiring veterinarians is simple and powerful: “Don’t give up. You’re not defined by your setbacks, but by how hard you fight to move past them. If your heart is in it, keep going — even when the road feels impossible.”

Because sometimes, the dream you thought you left behind is just waiting for you to come back to it — stronger, wiser, and ready to make it real.